1966 - 1970

1971

1971 - 1980

Became visiting lecturer for monks in local colleges. Practised Vijja Dhammakaya at Jedsada Temple with support from the Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of the time.

1982 - 1995

APPOINTMENTS AND PUBLISHING

Appointed assistant Chanthaburi Provincial Education Officer and senior lecturer in Management and the practice of Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation at several Universities in the province.Published books on Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation, including 'Dhammadana' (The Gift of Truth).Promotes benefits of Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation through free Courses in both English and Thai.

MR KAROON BOONMANUCHFOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY

The Founder of the Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation Society is Mr Karoon Boonmanuch. He has studied and mastered the techniques of Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation for almost 60 years, making him one of the foremost authorities today.

The Society is a registered non-profit organization, founded on June 27, 1982 by Mr Karoon Boonmanuch and the Board of Trustees

October 10, 1884 - February 3, 1959

Having practised meditation for over 11 years, Phramongkol Thepmuni reflected that he didn't fully understand the core teachings of the Lord Buddha, and so he began a meditation that went long into the night.

It was then, in the light of the full moon in September 1914 at Wat Bangkuvieng Nonthaburi1, that Phramongkol Thepmuni claimed to have allowed his mind to go deeper and deeper through the pathway at the centre of the sphere, until he discovered Dhammakaya, the most refined of the inner bodies.

He then devoted the rest of his life to teaching and furthering the depth of knowledge of this meditation technique.

Members of the Dhammakaya Movement believe that attaining Dhammakaya enlightened the Buddha, and that this knowledge was lost 500 years after the Buddha entered Parinirvana.

That is why, today, Phramongkol Thepmuni is considered the rediscoverer of Dhammakaya meditation.

IT'S THAI. TRADITIONAL. AND ORIGINAL.

Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation is steeped in history.

It is over 2500 years old.

In fact, it is based on the original teachings of Buddha.

So whilst it's well known and loved here in Thailand, the Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation Society offers everyone in the world the opportunity to learn its ancient wisdom, trusted ways, and long-evolved traditions.

LOST, THEN FOUND AGAIN

Interestingly, Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation itself was very nearly lost for all time.

History has it that some 500 years after the passing of the Buddha, Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation was rediscovered by its founder, the Venerable Chao Khun Phramongkol Thepmuni (Sod Chantasaro), who made it his mission to study it, master it, and pass the teachings on.

Thankfully it survived - and thrived.

Perhaps this helps explain why, culturally and practically, Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation is considered such a robust, respected methodology today.

And why so many people turn to it when they're lost, or want help finding themselves all over again.

FOUR

FIVE

The fifth and ultimate benefit of Vijja Dhammakaya Meditation is the cleansing out of The Five Hindrances that constrict our mental processes, in order to purify the mind and reach higher levels of consciousness.

First-divine body

Imagine your mind the size of a tiny needlepoint, position your mind at the centre of the Thamma sphere and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Visualise a clear pinpoint at the centre of the Thamma sphere, position your mind (motionless) at the centre of this pinpoint and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Picture the pinpoint expanding as it transforms into the clear white image of a divine body, who's head is shaped like that of a lotus bud 5 wah high and 5 wah wide, sitting cross-legged and facing out into the emptiness as do we, this is the 5 wah divine body.

Second-divine body

Direct your mind to look at the nostrils of the 5 wah divine body, left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Move your mind to look at the eye socket of the divine body left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Observe inside the head at the centre of the skull a divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Advance downwards and look through the divine bodies throat at the centre of the divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). (See Thamma Sphere). Send your mind to the centre of Thamma sphere and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Visualise a clear pinpoint, position your mind (motionless) at the centre of this pinpoint and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Picture the pinpoint expanding as it transforms into the clear white image of the Thamma body, who's head is in the shape of a lotus bud 10 wah high and 10 wah wide, sitting cross-legged and facing out into the emptiness as do we, this is the 10 wah divine body.

Third-divine body

Direct your mind to look at the nostrils of the 10 wah divine body, left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Move your mind to look at the eye socket of the divine body left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Observe inside the head at the centre of the skull of the divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Advance downwards and look through the divine bodies throat at the centre of the divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). (See Thamma Sphere). Send your mind to the centre of Thamma sphere and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Visualise a clear pinpoint, position your mind (motionless) at the centre of this pinpoint and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Picture the pinpoint expanding as it transforms into the clear white image of a divine body, who's head is in the shape of a lotus bud 15 wah high and 15 wah wide, sitting cross-legged and facing out into the emptiness as do we, this is the 15 wah divine body.

Forth-divine body

Direct your mind to look at the nostrils of the 15 wah divine body, left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Move your mind to look at the eye socket of the divine body left side for women, and right side for men and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Observe inside the head at the centre of the skull of the divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Advance downwards and look through the divine bodies throat at the centre of the divine body and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). (See Thamma sphere). Send your mind to the centre of Thamma sphere and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Visualise a clear pinpoint, position your mind (motionless) at the centre of this pinpoint and recite to yourself: Samma-Arahang (3 times). Picture the pinpoint expanding as it transforms into the clear white image of the Thamma body, who's head is in the shape of a lotus bud, 20 wah high and 20 wah wide, sitting cross-legged and facing out into the emptiness as do we, this is the 20 wah divine body.

Meditation Posture:

1. Start by finding a comfortable position for yourself in meditation. Sit in an upright position and place your right leg on your left leg, position your hands palm upwards in your lap with the right index finger touching your left thumb. Or you can adopt any other looser variation of this position, such as sitting on a sofa, or in your favourite chair, lying down on your bed, taking a walk in the garden or sitting in a secluded corner. It is important that you feel relaxed in order to maintain a comfortable posture; as this will help you attain a feeling as if you are one with the ground that you are sat upon.

2. Close your eyes very gently and relax every part of your body beginning with the muscles in your face, neck, shoulders and arms, relax them all completely. Relax the chest, the lower body and your legs. Never forget the importance to release all the tension and stress from your body.

3. Put aside for a few moments all anxieties concerning everyday life, responsibilities, work, friends and family. It is important to experience a sense of sitting all alone and around you there appears a vast emptiness with nothing in it.

Base 1:

Visualise a clear crystal ball roughly the size of your little fingertip. Position the crystal ball at the edge of your nostril (the first base), left side for women, and right side for men. Allow your mind to come to a standstill at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 2:

Move the crystal ball to the second base at the corner of the eye socket, just below the tear duct, left side for women, and right side for men. Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 3:

Move the crystal ball to the third base at the centre of the skull inside your head. Roll your eyes upwards inside your head, a technique which allows you to send your mind inwards similar to falling asleep, the crystal ball will rest there automatically. Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 4:

Move the crystal ball to the fourth base at the opening of the pharynx (part of the throat situated immediately behind the mouth and nasal cavity) and make a wish in your mind at a point where the crystal ball will automatically rest. Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 5:

Move the crystal ball to the fifth base at the opening of the throat, a little above the Laryngeal prominence (commonly known as the Adam's apple). Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 6:

Move the crystal ball to the sixth base at the centre of your stomach at a position level with your navel. Visualise two lines, the first line goes from your navel to your back and the second goes from the right to the left side of your body, move the crystal ball to the point where the lines intersect. Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times), retain your mind at the centre of the crystal ball, as it grows brighter and clearer.

Base 7:

Move the crystal ball to the seventh base, which is commonly referred to as the centre of the body; it is located two finger widths above the sixth base. Maintain your mind at a standstill, at the centre of the crystal ball, and recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang, continue reciting the mantra while at the same time positioning your mind at the centre of the crystal ball as it not only grows brighter but also becomes translucent.

Take a moment to invite the Lord Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha into your body and mind. His holiness will take this opportunity to guide us, now make a wish in your mind at a point where the crystal ball rests: I invite your holiness and all the Lord Buddha's from Anupadisesa-Nirvana and Sanupadisesa-Nirvana and those from past, present and future Nirvana's. This includes the neophyte, juniority, seniority and superiority (the four rankings) of holy wardens who possess special skills in the form of colour, line, body, families and dharma from past, present and future. Immediately reveal in my visual perception, hearing perception, scents perception, oral perception, physical perception and the perception of the mind. Recite the mantra to yourself, Samma-Arahang (3 times).

Visualise the crystal ball growing brighter only in your body, not at the face, not at the chest and not at the body. Maintain a relaxed mind like the heart of an innocent child and utilise your mind not your eyes only in 'knowing', no more, no less, while at the same time reciting the mantra to yourself Samma-Arahang until you reach the appropriate time.

We conclude this session of Samma-Arahang when the crystal ball becomes the real Thamma sphere. On seeing the Thamma sphere your mind will feel completely relaxed and filled with thoughts of happiness and joy, and spacious, enabling you to forget all concerns with your everyday life, continue to focus your attention on the Seventh Base for as long as possible until you reach the appropriate time.